New Trip Report posted by HowardSprague

Trip Name: Boot Lake fall basecamp with GSP.

Entry Point: 23

Click Here to View Trip Report

Howard,
So I start reading your report without looking closely at the date and thought it was from a trip a couple weeks ago. Nice report, nice photos, then I get to the "Brian was gone" part and do a Whisky, Tango, Foxtrot number... So sorry for Brian's family and friends.

Your report reminded that it had been ages since I checked CCBB, where I used to read lots of comments by you, GSP, Bill Conner, and others. I posted a lot there 2007-2011; not sure why I slacked off.

So, thanks again for a good trip report, and a reminder that we should appreciate all the important people in our lives.

TZ

Yep, what TZ said.

Dang that makes me sad. I know all too well the attempts I've had at taking my own life. Was he a veteran? The government is not exaggerating when they say 17 veterans a day end their lives.

no, he wasn't a veteran as far as I know...not sure how his troubles originated. Seemed like a pretty normal life growing up, just from what I'd heard.
He was a good guy.

HowardSprague: "no, he wasn't a veteran as far as I know...not sure how his troubles originated. Seemed like a pretty normal life growing up, just from what I'd heard.
He was a good guy.
"

Heartbreaking.
I'm pretty sure he and I talked about GSP vs Brittany in some thread back a ways. I'm sorry for your loss.

Hard to know what was his issue(s). He I thought was in the mental health field. So you’d thing he would have the tools to overcome stuff. And boy he loved his dog(s).
At one wing night though, Marco being kinda new and had to check out the area. He happened to deposit a present by a tent and then mark the tent with a little squirt of doggie marking stuff. Well, the owner of the tent happened to see it and reacted as I think most people would. Brian felt embarrassed I think and left soon after. We always felt bad about it, but what do you do. Maybe we need to be better stewards of each other. If ever you feel someone felt burdened about something maybe reach out... I don’t think this was “the reason”, but had we kept the door open maybe he’d have had that extra ear. I take my friendships here very serious. I love to solo paddle, but it was with friends here I had my best trips. 2013 I had been rattled a number of times with diverticulitis. This while running around the country with boats. Suncatcher and Boppa came and took me to Woodland Caribou for a week. Luckily my doc gave me another round of antibiotics cause it came back again. But with those two guys I had a memorable trip in a trying time. Thank you all for your patience with me. I value everyone here. If you ever need an ear, reach out! There are some good people here and more then you think having difficulties dealing with life and knowledgeable people that can help both professionally and as a good friend. RIP Brian... you have been missed. May we all find Gods grace and paddle together on the other side!

Very well put nctry!

Thank you for your report. Wishing you many more trips, with sunny weather.